The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers
The festival of Bhai Dooj is celebrated across the country in a traditional way. On the occasion, sisters make a seat for their brothers using rice flour. Once the brother sits on the seat, a paste of vermillion, dahi and rice is applied on the forehead of the brothers as a religious tika. Thereafter, the sister place a flower of Kaddu, betel leaves, betel nuts and coins in the palms of the brother and pour water on it while chanting mantras. Once this is done, a Kalawa is tied on the wrist of the brother and the aarti is performed. The next ritual is to exchange gifts among each and take the blessings of the elders.
History
Origin- Bhaiya Dooj/Bhai Dooj, Bhau-Beej/Bhai Phonta is a festival which is celebrated among Hindus of India, Nepal and other countries on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Kartika month of Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar. The occasion falls on the last day of the five day long celebrations of Diwali or Tihar festival. It is also celebrated as “Yama Dwitiya” in the southern parts of India.
There are few Hindu mythological based stories related to the origin of this auspicious day. According to the one legend, Lord Krishna visited his sister, Subhadra after killing demon Narkasur. Her sister gave a warm welcome to him and made the occasion really special through flowers and sweets. Subhadra also applied the ceremonial “tilak” on the forehead of her brother, Krishna and hence the festival of “Bhai Dooj” was born from there.
Another legend revolves around the story of Yama, the God of Death and his sister Yamuna. It is believed that he met his beloved sister on Dwitheya, the second day after the new moon and thus the occasion began to be celebrated as “Yamadwitheya” or “Yamadvitiya” across the country from that day.
Meaning and Significance- The festival of Bhai Dooj has a literal meaning attached to it. It is made up of two words namely- “Bhai” meaning brother and “Dooj” meaning the second day after the new moon which is a day of its celebration.
The day holds the special significance into the lives of a brother and a sister. It is an auspicious occasion that celebrates the strong bonding between two opposite sex siblings. Sisters invite their brothers to visit their place and prepare the beloved dishes for them. Sisters also pray to God for the well-being and longevity of their brothers against all the evils and bad fortune. In return, brothers follow their responsibilities of caring and loving their sisters.
Bhai Phota
It is difficult to decode the feelings, emotions and love between siblings. However, there are special days or occasions that are dedicated to strengthening the love between a brother and a sister. Bhaiya Dooj is one such occasion that can define the eternal love between different siblings (brother and sister). This wonderful festival is an important occasion where sisters pray to God for the longevity, well-being and prosperity of their beloved brother. The occasion occurs after the two days of the Diwali festival.
Story of Yama and Yamuna
Yama is Lord of Death and Yamuna is his sister that flows as a river in India. Also Yama and Yamuna are twin siblings . But due to the curse given to Sanjana who is wife of surya, yamuna became a river and both of them got seperated. As a result Yama did not visit Yamuna for 12 years and became very sad. Moreover Yama loves his sister very much and misses her a lot.
On this particular day Yama who then became the lord of death visits his sister Yamuna. Happily Yamuna took great care of her brother . Even she served with great hospitality and tied a rakhi on his wrist . As a return gift Yama gave boon to be immortal so that he can visit Yamuna again and again . Yama was so moved by his sister’s gesture that he blessed a boon . The boon is such that whenever a sister ties a rakhi on brother’s wrist and he protects his sister from all evils. Then the brother will become immortal.
The names and events of the individual days of Diwali are as follows:
The first day, known as Dhanteras, The second day, called Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, commemorates Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura; prayers are also offered for the souls of ancestors. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja, families seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity; light diyas, candles, and fireworks; and visit temples. It is the main day of the Diwali festival. The fourth day, known as Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut, commemorating Krishna’s defeat of Indra, the king of the gods, is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar. Merchants perform religious ceremonies and open new account books. The fifth day, called Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij, celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On that day sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers.
Also read : Diwali the festival of light and science and Significance of 5 days in Diwali
Reason of celebration
Diwali, also spelled Divali, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika. (The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October and November.) The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.” The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
Observances of Diwali differ depending on region and tradition. Among Hindus the most widespread custom is the lighting of diyas (small earthenware lamps filled with oil) on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Bengal the goddess Kali is worshipped. In North India the festival also celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama (along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman) to the city of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, the 10-headed king of the demons, thus connecting the festival with the holiday of Dussehra. In South India the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura. Some celebrate Diwali as a commemoration of the marriage of Lakshmi and Vishnu, while others observe it as the birthday of Lakshmi.
Quotes
My sister is my best friend. You stand by me when I am alone, you make me happy when I am down. Thanks for being there for me always Dear Brother. Happy Bhai Dooj.
On this Day, may god protect you always and bless your Sister Brother Relationship. Happy Bhai Dooj to you.
My Dear Sister, I Will Always protect you from the Evil in Society and keep you safe in this world.
May this Bhai Dooj add Sweetness in your Relation and bring success in your Life.
Our Teasing relations with each other should always be like this. Happy Bhai Dooj my Dear Sister.
You are the Best Brother that God has Gifted me and I’m always blessed to have you in my Life. Happy Bhai Dooj to you.
Be nice to your siblings, they’re your best link to your past and the most likely to stay with you in the future.
Your presence always made me feel safe…you have been my North Star guiding me the right way…Love You Brother!!! Happy Bhai Dooj!
Brothers are like bright rays of sun bringing warmth and happiness in the life of their sisters. Wishing you a happy and blissful Bhai Dooj, brother!
Together we laughed, together we cried, the affection in between is immense distance despite…I LOVE YOU BROTHER TILL THE END OF TIME!!! Happy Bhai Dooj!
Brother, we make the best team together…Cheers to all the beautiful moments of childhood!!! Happy Bhaiya Dooj!!!
No matter the cherishable time of childhood had passed, we have grown into adults, much mature with time, BUT we pledge remain together…Stay Blessed Bhai!!!
Your presence has always made me felt like God watching over me from Heaven… Thanks brother, for making me feel safe and blessed at all times. Happy Bhai Dooj!!!
You made the best gift for me from our parents, brother…You little hand and toes made me feel like I got the most adorable and amazing friend for life. Thanks for coming into my life, my little BRO!!! Happy Bhai Dooj to you!!!
Quotes
“On this auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, I cherish the bond we share as siblings. You are not just my brother/sister, but also my best friend. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“Having a brother/sister like you is a blessing that I am grateful for every day. On the occasion of Bhai Dooj, I wish you happiness, success, and endless love.”
“Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the beautiful bond between brothers and sisters. May our relationship be filled with love, understanding, and unwavering support. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“To my dear brother/sister, you are my pillar of strength and my closest confidant. On Bhai Dooj, I express my gratitude for your presence in my life. Wishing you a joyous and blessed day!”
“Bhai Dooj is a reminder of the special connection we share as siblings. Through thick and thin, you have always been there for me. Thank you for being an amazing brother/sister. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“On this auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, I pray for your well-being, success, and happiness. May our bond of love and protection grow stronger with each passing day.”
“Bhai Dooj is a time to reminisce about the wonderful memories we have created together. Let’s cherish these moments and create many more in the future. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“To my beloved brother/sister, you are my lifelong companion and my partner in crime. On Bhai Dooj, I celebrate the incredible bond we share. Wishing you a day filled with love and blessings.”
“Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the unconditional love between brothers and sisters. Today, I express my love and gratitude for your presence in my life. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“On this special day, I send my heartfelt wishes to the most amazing brother/sister in the world. May your life be filled with happiness, prosperity, and countless blessings. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
Quotes
“Brothers and sisters are God’s way of reminding us that we are never alone. Happy Bhai Dooj to my wonderful sibling!”
“A brother is a friend for life, a protector, and a confidant. On Bhai Dooj, I am grateful to have you by my side. Cheers to our beautiful bond!”
“Bhai Dooj is a day to celebrate the everlasting bond between siblings. May our love and connection grow stronger with each passing year. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“Having a sister like you is a blessing that brings joy and happiness to my life. On Bhai Dooj, I cherish the bond we share and wish you all the love in the world.”
“No matter how far apart we are, the bond between us remains unbreakable. Sending warm wishes and lots of love to my brother/sister on Bhai Dooj.”
“On this auspicious occasion of Bhai Dooj, I thank you for being my guiding light, my source of inspiration, and my best friend. Wishing you a wonderful day!”
“Bhai Dooj is a day to express gratitude for the wonderful sibling we have in our lives. Thank you for being there for me, supporting me, and making my life better. Happy Bhai Dooj!”
“A sister is a forever friend, a guardian angel, and a source of unconditional love. On Bhai Dooj, I celebrate the incredible sisterhood we share. Love you always!”
“Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the beautiful memories we have created together and the promise of a lifelong bond. May our relationship be filled with laughter, joy, and endless love.”
“On this special day of Bhai Dooj, I wish my brother/sister all the happiness, success, and fulfillment in life. May you always shine bright and achieve your dreams.”
Quotes
“Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the beautiful bond that we, as siblings, share. It’s a day to cherish the memories, strengthen the connection, and create new moments of love and togetherness.”
“On this auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, I am reminded of all the laughter, fights, and shared experiences we’ve had. You are not just my sibling, but my partner in mischief and my best friend.”
“Having a brother/sister like you is a blessing that I’ll forever cherish. On Bhai Dooj, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your love, support, and unwavering presence in my life.”
“Bhai Dooj is a reminder that even though life may take us on different paths, the bond between siblings remains unbreakable. Distance may separate us, but love keeps us connected.”
“To my dear brother/sister, you are not just my family, but my forever friend. On Bhai Dooj, I celebrate the bond we share and look forward to creating more beautiful memories together.”
“Bhai Dooj is a time to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the special sibling in our lives. Today, I want to let you know how much you mean to me and how blessed I am to have you.”
“On this auspicious occasion, let us cherish the bond of love, trust, and protection that defines the relationship between brothers and sisters. Happy Bhai Dooj to my rock-solid support.”
“Bhai Dooj is a celebration of the unique and irreplaceable role that brothers and sisters play in each other’s lives. Today, I celebrate you, my dear sibling, and the beautiful connection we share.”
“Through thick and thin, highs and lows, you’ve always been there for me. On Bhai Dooj, I want to thank you for being my guiding light and my constant source of strength. Love you, my sibling!”
“Bhai Dooj is a day to honor and appreciate the bond that goes beyond words, the bond that is forged by love and nurtured by understanding. Happy Bhai Dooj to my amazing brother/sister!”
Quotes on Bhai Phota
“Bhai Phota is a celebration of the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. May this auspicious day bring joy, love, and prosperity to our lives.”
“On the occasion of Bhai Phota, I am grateful for the love and support of my brother. May our bond grow stronger with each passing day. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a reminder of the beautiful memories we have shared and the unbreakable bond we hold. Wishing you a day filled with love, happiness, and blessings.”
“As I apply the sacred mark on your forehead, I pray for your well-being and success. May our bond of love and protection last a lifetime. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a celebration of the beautiful relationship between brothers and sisters. May the thread of love that ties us together be strong and everlasting.”
“On this auspicious day of Bhai Phota, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence in my life. Thank you for always being there for me. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a time to honor the unconditional love, trust, and support that siblings share. May our relationship be filled with happiness, harmony, and endless blessings.”
“As we celebrate Bhai Phota, I reminisce about the moments of laughter, tears, and shared experiences. You are not just my brother/sister, but my lifelong companion. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a day to express our love and appreciation for the special sibling in our lives. Today, I celebrate you and the unique bond we share. Wishing you a joyous Bhai Phota!”
“On this auspicious occasion, I tie the sacred thread and offer my prayers for your well-being and happiness. May our bond grow stronger with each passing Bhai Phota.”
Quotes on Bhai Phota
“Bhai Phota is a celebration of the beautiful relationship between siblings. May the thread of love that weaves us together remain strong and unbreakable forever.”
“On this special day of Bhai Phota, I thank you for being my guiding light, my protector, and my best friend. Wishing you a day filled with joy and blessings.”
“Bhai Phota is a time to honor the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. May our relationship be filled with endless laughter, shared moments, and unconditional support.”
“On this auspicious occasion of Bhai Phota, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your constant love and care. You are not just my sibling, but my pillar of strength. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a celebration of the unique and irreplaceable bond we share. Today, I want to let you know how much I cherish you and how lucky I am to have you as my brother/sister.”
“Bhai Phota is a day to celebrate the beautiful memories we have created together and to create new ones filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Happy Bhai Phota to the best sibling ever!”
“On this auspicious day of Bhai Phota, I tie the sacred thread as a symbol of my love and protection for you. May our bond grow stronger with each passing day. Wishing you a wonderful Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a time to celebrate the strength of our sibling bond. Thank you for being my partner in crime, my confidant, and my forever friend. Happy Bhai Phota!”
“Bhai Phota is a reminder of the unconditional love and support we have for each other. On this day, I pray for your happiness, success, and well-being. Have a blessed Bhai Phota!”
“As I perform the rituals of Bhai Phota, I am reminded of the deep-rooted connection we share. May our bond be blessed with love, harmony, and prosperity. Happy Bhai Phota!”
Pease join discussion on Facebook about world facts and its secret.